Apparatus for covering a selected rear portion of a vehicle body

ABSTRACT

A removable and reusable apparatus for covering a selected rear portion of a passenger vehicle body. The section being configured to cover the exterior of the moveable trunk/hatch/door area without covering any operating functions. Cover sections made of flexible outdoor material with encased strapping secured horizontally the entire length of the cover with edges of the cover wrapping to the interior of the vehicle and attached securely within the interior of the vehicle. The straps being adjustable in overall length to provide for the continued ability to secure and conform the cover to the selected portion of the vehicle over time. The cover section is quickly and simply securable to the selected portion of the vehicle body utilizing a minimum of direct attachments thereto.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/492,990 filed Aug. 7, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to covers for vehicles and, more particularly, relates to a removable and securely attached covering apparatus for a selected rear portion of a vehicle body. This invention also relates to a covering constructed of flexible material used to advertise or personalize on a passenger vehicle. This invention provides an inexpensive sign for use on passenger vehicles contouring to the shape of the exterior of the trunk area. The invention is attached to the vehicle by means of strapping, enclosed within the entire width of the cover through sleeves, to adjustable buckles within the interior of the vehicle. The invention may also use a pocket edge on the interior of cover to encase the contour of the lower edge of the trunk/hatch lid to provide means of attachment to lower edge. The invention is easily positioned or removed without the use of tools.

The rear portion of a vehicle is the most visible area to following traffic and when the vehicle is parked making this invention more effective than advertising on the sides of vehicles.

With increasing number of self-employed people driving, their vehicle often becomes dual purpose of business and pleasure use. By the increasing use of passenger vehicles used to advertise businesses the demand for affordable, convenient and reusable signs becomes more desirable. The current choices to advertise on the rear of passenger vehicles comprises of adhesive vinyl lettering, magnetic signs, and painting. Each of the above methods has specific drawbacks to their usage. Adhesive products, for example vinyl lettering and stickers, mar the surface of the vehicle due to paint discolouration and adhesive damage. New types of vehicle body materials prohibit the attachment of magnetic signs due to their plastic content. Contours of vehicles also prohibit the secure attachment of rigid or magnetic signs both of which are very limited in size for the use of advertisement or personalization. Temporary ownership of a vehicle as in a lease agreement would prohibit the permanent application of paint on the vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art

Removable prior signs are disclosed in several patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,464, entitled TAILGATE SIGN, to Marecek, discloses an advertising sign for the tailgate of trucks made of flexible material and attached to the tailgate by means of overlapping the top and bottom edges of the tailgate. The ,464 device does not disclose a cover or fixing means to permit attachment to passenger vehicles with the trunk area enclosed, as in this invention. The straps being secured by heat sealing to the display element do not provide the same stability of sewn casings necessary for repeated removal and use. The wrapping of the tailgate on the bottom does not provide for drainage of moisture from weather and can result in surface damage on the vehicle. Clamps used for attachment of the display element on the sides can also damage the paint surface of the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,133 B1, entitled VEHICLE BANNER ASSEMBLY, to Garrity, discloses a banner affixed to the door of a motor vehicle. This invention requires an elongate retaining cable, plastic hooks and elastics to secure the banner to the vehicle door. The ,133 B1 devise does not disclose a cover or fixing means to permit attachment to passenger vehicle trunk areas enclosed, as in this invention. The ,133 B1 device does not enclose both sides of the banner to the interior of the vehicle making it less secure and the number of attachments required to secure the banner reduce the ease of use.

Covers have been traditionally used for protective covering of selected parts of a motor vehicle and have included portions of the front fenders, hood, bumper area, including grill work and/or headlamp housing. The covers for the front of the vehicle are not transferable to the rear of vehicle due to the shape, contours and openings necessary for handles, key holes, tail lights and licence plates. As well as being a protective covering to prevent scrapes, scratches and other damage this invention also has usefulness in the area of personal decorative expression and commercial advertising by way of embroidery, silk screening, printing and embellishments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides an apparatus for covering a selected portion of the exterior rear surface of a vehicle body, the said portion being the trunk, doors, hatchback, tailgate area, which apparatus is quickly and easily installable on, or removable from, the vehicle, readily adjustable to accommodate for any distortion of the shape or dimensions of the flexible cover which may occur over time due to usage, repeated application and removal thereof, and/or exposure to natural elements, and which securely conforms to contours of the covered portion of the vehicle body.

The flexible cover section is provided to cover a part of the selected portion of the exterior of the vehicle which is movable relative to other parts, for example a compartment hood such as a trunk/door/hatchback/tailgate. Such cover section includes at least first and possibly second tensioning straps positioned between first and second vertical edges of the moveable part, the first tensioning strap being encased through the cover and located parallel to the upper edges of the cover section when positioned on the vehicle. The second tensioning strap, if necessary, is encased through the cover and located parallel to the lower edge of the cover. The bottom edge of the cover may also have a pocket edge on the interior of cover to encase the contour of the lower edge of the trunk/hatch lid. When a pocket edge is used on the lower edge to secure the cover small openings are incorporated into the lower seam of the pocket to allow moisture to escape. Hook and loop strip fasteners commonly know as VELCRO made by DuPont may be used on the interior of the pocket edge to secure the pocket edge to the interior of the vehicle. VELCRO may also be used the interior sides to aid in positioning prior to attachment with straps and buckles.

Strapping buckles are attached to the straps, with the straps inside of casings on the entire width of the cover giving added strength to the attachment of the cover on to the vehicle, and connect on the inside of the vehicle compartment. The strapping is made of nylon or similar material and is adjustable in length at the point of the buckle attachment. The straps remain in tension and hold the cover in place.

The cover material may comprise of vinyl, fabric, or other outdoor material. The cover is shaped to the rear of the trunk lid with the sides of the cover extending into the interior of the trunk cavity. Securing the cover over the sides of the trunk/hatch lid, in the closed position, increases the security of the cover while driving the vehicle or while stationary. The cover also can include apertures for access to elements mounted in the pre-selected portion of the vehicle body. For example, an aperture is preferably provided for a keyhole mounted in the trunk lid if necessary. Functioning lights or licence plate positioned in the cover area are not obstructed by the cover material as clear plastic is inserted in these areas to reduce wind resistance and allow function.

When thus configured, the covering apparatus of this invention is easily and quickly installable and removable from the vehicle, the covering apparatus requiring a minimum of direct attachment points to the vehicle body for secure maintenance and conformity thereof on the vehicle. The straps made be adjusted for security and stability of the apparatus on the vehicle and to accommodate for distortion of shape and/or dimensions of the covers which may occur over time due to usage, repeated application and removal thereof, and/or exposure to natural elements so that close conformity to the contours of the vehicle body may be maintained.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a covering unit for covering a selected portion of an exterior rear surface of a vehicle body having a least a first contoured area and a upper edge extending between first and second vertical edges, the engaging section being configured to engage a securing and conforming strap(s) for securing the cover over the selected portion of the exterior rear surface of the vehicle body and maintaining the cover in conformity with the contoured area and edges thereof.

It is another an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for covering a selected portion of the exterior rear surface of a vehicle body which is easily and quickly installed and removed.

It is another objective of this invention to provide a cover unit for covering a selected portion of the exterior surface of a vehicle body which is maintainable on the selected portion by a minimum of direct attachments to the vehicle body.

It is an object of this invention to provide the largest surface permitted by the vehicle type, by means of the cover, for commercial advertising and/or personalized expression by means of embroidery, printing, applique, silk screening and embellishments but not limited to these.

It is also an objective of this invention to protect the rear area of the vehicle covered from scrapes, scratches on the paint surfaces.

It is an objective of this invention to provide a covering with a design to allow moisture to easily escape from between the cover and the vehicle body.

It is also an objective of this invention to require a minimum of storage space when not in use.

It is an objective to use a material for the cover that will not damage the paint surface of the vehicle on which it is positioned.

With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent to one skilled in the art as the description proceeds, this invention resides in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts substantially as hereinafter described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a complete embodiment of the invention according to the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle with the covering apparatus attached to a selected rear portion of a movable compartment hood of the vehicle in its open position. This also illustrates the covering apparatus with the bottom edges open to allow moisture to escape from between the cover and the vehicle compartment hood with the side edges of the cover wrapping into the interior of the vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle having the apparatus of this invention installed thereon when the moveable rear compartment hood of the vehicle is closed. It also shows the insert of clear plastic area over the licence plate area;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle with the covering apparatus attached to a selected portion of the movable rear compartment hood of the vehicle in its open position utilizing the pocket attachment on the lower contoured edge of the vehicle compartment hood. The pocket encases the bottom edge and sides of the movable compartment hood. It also shows the drainage opening in the bottom seam to allow moisture to escape;

FIG. 4 is a view of the inside of the covering apparatus showing the sewn on casings, straps running through the casings, buckle sections, keyhole, opening for licence plate with clear plastic insert and sewn hem edging on all edges.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the inside lower edge of the covering apparatus (partially illustrated) showing the pocket edge which conforms to the bottom edge of the vehicle compartment hood and illustrates the break in stitching to provide openings in the lower edge of the apparatus for the escape of moisture;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the inside lower edge of the covering apparatus (partially illustrated) showing the pocket edge which conforms to the lower contoured edge of the vehicle compartment hood and illustrates the openings between the cover and the pocket in the seam area and the placement of hook strip fastener on the interior of the pocket which corresponds to the loop strip fastener on the lower edge of the interior of the vehicle compartment hood;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the inside top edge of the covering apparatus (partially illustrated) showing the attachment of the casings which carry the strapping through to connect on the interior of the vehicle and the folded sewn edges of the cover;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the adjustable buckle connection suitable for use in conjunction with the vehicle apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the strapping attached to the buckle;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the adjustable buckle connection suitable for use in conjunction with the vehicle apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the strapping is attached to the buckle;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings FIG. 1-9, showing a preferred attachment of the vehicle covering apparatus numbered 1 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus preferably constructed of outdoor material with some flexibility being secured with minimum attachments to the rear of a passenger vehicle for the purpose of advertisement or personalization.

FIG. 1 illustrates interior view of the movable compartment trunk lid 11 of the vehicle 10 with the sides 9 of the covering apparatus 1 wrapping around the edges 13 of the trunk lid 11 and securing with adjustable strapping 7 through casings 3 and connecting strapping 7 with buckle closure 16 a, 16 b and the bottom edge of vehicle trunk 11 edge 15 left uncovered. The wrapping of apparatus 1 around edges 13 of trunk lid 11 when closed provides security from removal of apparatus 1 while stationary, neatness in appearance and additional resistance from removal while driving.

While, as the description proceeds, reference will be made to a covering apparatus 1 as configured in FIG. 2 to be shown in more detail.

FIG. 2 illustrates the covering apparatus 1 on the vehicle compartment trunk lid 11 when the compartment 11 is closed on the vehicle 10. It also shows the cover 1 left 21 and right 22 edges, the cover 1 top edge 19 and bottom edge 20.

Cover section includes flexible cover 1 having plurality of sections stitched together including main body 1 and the casings 3 in which the strapping 7 passes through attaching to the buckle 16 a, 16 b. Buckle connections 16 a, 16 b are provided for fastening the cover 1 into the interior of the vehicle compartment 11. A flexible cover 1 together with a casing 3 of the same material engages there through of strap 7 for securing and conforming cover section 1 on the exterior of vehicle compartment 11.

One end of the strap 7 is threaded through the buckle female 16 a and sewn to form a loop encasing the buckle 16 a end. The strap 7 is then passed through the casing 3 sewn to the inside 2 of the cover 1. The second end of the strap 7 having been passed through the casing 3 on the cover 1 is then threaded through the openings of the buckle male 16 b as shown in FIG. 8 and the excess of strap 7 is left free to adjust the tension of the strap 7 as it holds the cover 1 in place on the exterior of the vehicle compartment 11.

Utilization of the described buckle 16 a, 16 b arrangement offers significant advantages over other types of connectors, by providing a larger adjustable connecting arrangement, a quick attachment and release, and which have a longer useful life, easily replaceable parts where such parts are subject to wear and degradation due to exposure and use, and which provides greater stability over the life of the cover 1. As may be appreciated, the tautness of the cover 1 may be adjusted by shortening or lengthening the strap 7. Strapping 7 is maintained in the fabric casing 3 the entire distance between the vertical edges 13 providing a constant secure connection through cover 1 to buckle 16 a, 16 b around trunk lid 11 as in FIG. 3.

Process is repeated for any other casings 3 that may be sewn on to the cover 1 depending on the size of cover 1 and the shape of the selected area of the rear vehicle 11.

The material of cover 1 being flexible enough to use stitching 5 as a means of attaching casings 3, pocket edge 4 and finishing edges 19,20,21,22 with sewn turned over edge 28.

As an alternative method to attaching the cover 1, in addition of at least one strap 7, a pocket 4 of cover 1 material is sewn on the inside of the cover 1 as in FIG. 3. This pocket 4 encases the contour lower edge 15 and the sides 13 of the vehicle compartment area 11. The pocket 4 incorporates breaks 12 in the stitching seam 25 to provide openings 12 in the lower edge 20 of the covering apparatus 1 for the escape of moisture from between the vehicle compartment hood 11 and the cover 1.

Self adhesive hook fastening tape 6 is used on the interior of the pocket 4 and the corresponding loop fastening tape is used on the interior of the contoured vehicle edge 11 to secure the pocket 4 to the vehicle edge 14.

A plurality of open areas in the cover 1 are provided for various operating lights 27, license plates 8, key holes 23, and the like normally present on the vehicle body, it being understood that placement of such openings, together with the overall configuration of the cover 1, may be adjusted to fit various vehicle models. The open areas which require function such as lights 27 and or licence plates 8 have clear plastic inserts 18 sew into the cover 1 to allow proper function and reduce wind resistance. All edges 19,20,21,22 of the cover 1 have a minimum of ¼” hem 9 sewn to edge to improve stability and appearance as in FIG. 4.

The opening for keyholes 23 if positioned within selected cover 1 area have sewn reinforced stitching 26 with a backing layer of cover 1 material placed on the interior of the cover 1 for strength in this area to prevent damage of repeated use.

The covering apparatus 1 is laid over the movable rear compartment area 11 aligning the cover 1 to the sides 13, top 14, and bottom 15 edges of the vehicle compartment area 11. The strapping 7 is then drawn to the interior of the moveable rear compartment area 11 connecting with the buckles 16 a,16 b and adjusting the tension of the strapping 7 to secure the cover 1. It should be realized that the covering apparatus 1 may be readily manufactured to conform to a wide variety of vehicle body designs.

The covering apparatus 1 shown herein may be made of, for example, but not limited to, vinyl or other materials suitable for outdoor use.

This invention provides an apparatus for covering a selected portion of the rear exterior surface of a vehicle body which is quickly and easily installable on or removable from, the vehicle body, readily adjustable to accommodate for any distortion of the shape or dimensions of the flexible covers which may occur over time due to usage, repeated application and removal thereof, and/or exposure to natural elements, and which closely conforms to contours of the covered portions of the vehicle body.

This invention further provides a large surface for personalizing or advertising by means of embroidery, printing, silk screening, applique, embellishment but not limited to these.

While preferred embodiments of the foregoing invention have been set for the purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A removable and reusable apparatus for covering a selected portion of an exterior rear surface of a vehicle body, the vehicle body having rear fenders and a bumper area, the selected portion having at least a first contoured area located adjacent to the body and the bumper area and an upper and lower edge extending between first and second vertical edges of the selected section on the rear of the vehicle, said covering unit comprising of; a cover configured to lay over the selected portion of the exterior rear surface of the vehicle body, said cover of flexible material including engaging means associated therewith having a section position able along the contoured area and positioned adjacent to the vehicle edge of the selected portion with the cover having side edges being long enough to wrap to the interior of vehicle cavity securing and conforming to the selected area; the securing and conforming means engage able with said straps for securing said cover in conformity with the contoured area and edges thereof, a cover section configured of a least partially or entirely covering the rear compartment hood and including tensioning means for securing and conforming said cover section on the rear compartment hood, the said tensioning means having at minimum, one casing attached the entire width of the cover interior to receive the tensioning strap with the first and second ends of the strap received in different ends of said retaining buckles on the interior of the compartment area, and said second tensioning means a second casing attached the entire width of the cover interior having first and second ends receivable in different ends of said retaining buckles of said cover section and/or a releasable and securable pocket at the lower contoured edge and sides of the rear compartment hood.
 2. The covering unit of claim 1 wherein said securing and conforming means includes strapping, said strapping means being securable to the interior of the rear surface of the selected moveable vehicle surface, and strapping being receivable in said section of said cover casings, and strapping being adjustable within the buckle closure.
 3. The covering unit of claim 1 wherein said retaining means are adjustable buckle closure configured to be attached to the strapping to be connected on the interior of selected moveable vehicle structure without use of a tool.
 4. The covering unit of claim 1 wherein said securing and conforming means is adjustable to thus provided for continued taut secure and conformity of said cover means on the selected portion of the rear exterior surface of the vehicle body.
 5. The covering unit of claim 1 wherein said cover may include a plurality of casings attached to said cover along the entire interior width of selected portion as required securing and conforming to the said cover onto the exterior of the compartment area.
 6. The covering apparatus for covering a selected portion of an exterior rear surface of a vehicle body, the selected portion including a least a part which is movable with the part having an upper and lower edge and first and second spaced vertical edges, said covering apparatus comprising: a cover section configured to cover the part of the selected portion of the exterior surface of the rear of the vehicle body and including a first tensioning means each position able between the first and second vertical edges of the first part for securing and conforming said cover section, said first tensioning means being attachable to the buckle closure on the interior of the selected part of the vehicle body.
 7. The covering apparatus of claim 6 wherein said resilient tensioning means includes at least one resilient strap, said resilient strap having adjustments means formable therein for adjusting the length of said strap, said cover section having casings formed therein for receipt of said adjusting means. Additional resilient strapping used to be determined by the number of casings required to secure and conform the cover to the selected area.
 8. The covering apparatus of claim 6 wherein a single tensioning strap and casing is used would also incorporate a pocket along the lower contoured edge and vertical sides of the selected moveable section of the rear of the vehicle. whereas the pocket along the lower contoured edge incorporates openings along the seam of cover 1 to allow moisture to escape from between the cover and the selected part of the vehicle.
 9. The invention of claim 1 wherein the cover would comprise of flexible outdoor material.
 10. The invention of claim 1 wherein functioning lights, keyholes and licence plates, if within the selected cover area, would not be obstructed from use. 